Genetic diversity of momsky horse population: analysis using microsatellite markers

Abstract

 This article examines the genetic diversity of Momsky horses using seventeen microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed that the average locus polymorphism level was 3.384 units, while the AHT4 locus showed the highest polymorphism. Different loci had varying numbers of effectively acting alleles. There was an excess of total alleles over the number of effectively acting alleles by more than 1.5 times, indicating significant genetic variability in the population of Momsky horses. The study confirmed significant heterozygosity variation at both the overall sample level and for individual loci. Certain loci exhibited a deficiency of heterozygotes, while others demonstrated a predominance of observed heterozygosity over expected heterozygosity. The LEX3 locus had the lowest level of observed heterozygosity (0.312), while the AHT4 locus showed the highest level (0.844) of expected heterozygosity. Data analysis also enabled the determination of the equilibrium distribution of heterozygotes. Five loci - HMS1, CA425, HTG6, VHL20, ASB17 - had a distribution of heterozygotes close to equilibrium, while seven loci displayed a deficiency of heterozygotes. The most pronounced deficiency of heterozygotes was observed in the LEX3 locus. The remaining loci showed varying degrees of dominance of observed heterozygosity over expected heterozygosity. The importance of genetic diversity in horse populations is emphasized, particularly in the context of breeding programs. Maintaining a certain level of genetic diversity plays a crucial role in population adaptation to changing environmental conditions and ensures long-term survival.